From her modest start on the hardwood, Chandler has developed into a multi-faceted performer on both offense and defense. The 5-foot-11 junior certainly can score, yet she is much more attuned to stopping her opponent from doing damage.

"If I could somehow get subbed out on offense and just play defense, I would love that," Chandler said. "Everyone likes to score, but defense is something I take pride in. I feel better saying they scored zero than I scored 20. Seriously, I'd rather end up having five points and win than get 30 points, lose and have my teammates upset with me."

"She works her tail off on defense. In every practice, she is our 'go-to' along with India Terrell," Lawson said. "Mylah is so lengthy and athletic, it gives people problems. She is out 'd-ing' up guards, centers and forwards. It doesn't matter. She can guard all the positions."

Chandler does like the big stage and Albany has reached the proper platform Monday night at Times Union Center. That is where the Falcons (18-1) look to secure a second straight Section II Class AA title vs. Shenendehowa (16-4). Game time is 6.

Albany was the first Section II girls' squad to win a title at Times Union Center in 2013 when the Falcons beat Bethlehem.

"It was awesome. We had our 'Falcon Nest' there," Chandler said. "It was great, and I can't wait to do it again."

"She does not mind the big stage. Mylah thrives off that," Lawson said.

Chandler's transformation from novice hoopster to one of the truly elite players in Section II is a study in dedication. Between youth basketball, playing at the Jewish Community Center and working out on the blacktop court her father built for her in the backyard, Chandler has cultivated her skills to become a well-rounded performer.

This season, Chandler is averaging 11.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.2 steals, 1.7 assists and 1.5 blocks per game playing mostly at forward.

"She just falls into any role I want her to play," Lawson said.

A new assignment for Chandler this season has been as team captain. The junior, who characterizes herself as a "talker", was more on the quiet side during the 2012-13 season — even though she was a starter.

"I didn't want to overstep by boundaries," Chandler said. "This year, it is me, Cara (Waterson) and 'Yana' (Ayanna Hunter) as the main players on the team, so I felt like I had to step up and say more."

"She just wanted to play and didn't want the leadership role, but it is already on her," Lawson said. "She is a quiet captain in terms of being on the court, but she does get on the girls if they are fooling around in practice."

Chandler revels when it comes to practice with the Falcons. Often, she is matched against Hunter, the Falcons' prolific point guard. All the different defensive assignments against her teammates have allowed Chandler to hone her skills for what is to come in games.

Chandler, who averages 97 in the classroom, has also added layers to her offensive game.

"I like the slashing and cutting part of my game. I'm long, so I use that to my advantage," Chandler said. "I have worked a lot on my mid-range game. I can still perfect that."

Although she still has work to do to improve, Chandler definitely appreciates how far she has already come.